Photo: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

It may be one of Cape Cod’s longest beaches, but Sandy Neck Beach also has a history that stretches back generations. The park covers more than 4,700-acres, the majority of which sits in West Barnstable.

With six miles of shoreline to explore, the park includes sand dunes, marshland, forests and beaches. In the early 1700s, the beach went from being entirely public to some of it privately owned.  By the mid 1800s, a lighthouse went up. Nearby summer cottages went up in the late 19th century.

The Sandy Neck Colony still sits close to the tip of Sandy Neck, with around two dozen cottages, many of which are more than a century old. One of the first cottages doubled as a restaurant.

At one time

While Cape Cod is well known for its boating and its beaches, there’s also plenty of history. Some of that history is obvious, while some is a bit more discreet. 

The Columns Restaurant

It’s pretty hard to miss the old Columns Restaurant in West Dennis. The stately white building sits right along Route 28, just as it has for around 150 years. Originally a sea captain’s home, the old home was later turned into a popular restaurant and club. It once brought in some of Cape Cod’s hottest jazz musicians.

While some renovations have been made in the decades since, the long-standing property is now owned by a Plymouth-based company interested in turning it into multi-unit housing.

The Dome Restaurant

Another historic landmark sits in the

With dozens of beaches, hundreds of charming shops and some beautiful homes, it’s hard to point out just one great location on the Cape. However, some of the most exclusive areas of Cape Cod are appreciated for their extreme luxury and privacy.

Chatham

Chatham is said to offer one of the Cape’s most scenic golf courses. Eastward Ho! Country Club dates back to the 1920s and is known today for its ultra-exclusive membership. It’s not easy to become a member and the dress code at the golf club is strictly enforced.

For luxury dining and hospitality, Chatham Bars Inn actually features four restaurants and two private dining rooms. It also includes a private beach with cabanas, daily boat shuttles, swimming and more. 

West Yarmouth

West

It’s full speed ahead for the Cape Cod Rail Trail, as crews move into the third phase of the trail’s extension project. Phase three is expected to eventually take the trail from Peter Homer Park in South Yarmouth and continue it on to Barnstable.

Right now, phase three of the Cape Cod Rail Trail extension is said to be in the early design phase. State transportation officials are seeking out public input on the project. People have a couple of more weeks to submit comments and give feedback.

In all, the nearly four-and-a-half-mile long expansion project is expected to top $9 million. Most of the cost is being covered by state and federal funds.

As part of phase three, crews plan to upgrade an already existing shared use path in Yarmouth.

Photo: Mattia Panciroli

If you’re searching for a great beach town on a budget, consider making the move to Hyannis. The location was just named one of the “Most Affordable Beach Towns for Retirement”.

The designation comes from Realtor.com, which recently came out with its list of the best beach towns for retirees on a budget. In this case, Hyannis easily made it into the top ten.  The website credits Hyannis for its shopping, its restaurants, its golf courses and, of course, its beaches. It also makes mention of its convenience for its ferry terminal, leading to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, plus its airport.

 Other highlights Realtor.com mentioned included its hospital, which is the largest medical facility on the Cape, and the John F.

Photo: Peter Roome

From boating and beaches to biking and more, there’s plenty to enjoy when it comes to exploring Osterville. The seaside village is a great place to go, whether you stay on land or head out on the water.

A great way to see some of Osterville’s natural beauty is at Skunknett River Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a good spot for birding, plus you have about 100 acres to explore by bike and foot.

For swimming, beachcombing and fishing, locals know to visit Dowses Beach. The peninsula beach offers a large viewing dock, plenty of parking and some great water views.

You’ll also find lots of seashells in the sand. Some say you’ll find the nicest sand, though, on a small beach close to the intersection of Wianno Avenue and Sea

A popular summer vacation spot for generations, Cape Cod routinely draws in high earners eager to spend the warmer months of the year near the sand and water. It should come as no surprise then that many people who claim year-round residency on the Cape are also millionaires.

Research just five years ago estimated well more than 300 taxpayers in the region have million-dollar-plus incomes. That’s a huge jump from past years.

The likelihood goes up for those living in Barnstable. As the Cape’s largest community, by population and by land size, Barnstable reportedly has close to 100 millionaires.

According to the most recent data gained from Massachusetts Department of Revenue tax filings, Barnstable has 95 millionaires. That’s nearly identical

Photo: Elizabeth McClay

From its tranquil ponds and beaches to its small lake and local businesses, Osterville is a favorite of Cape Cod visitors and locals alike. Especially popular during the summer months, Osterville is known for its beautiful homes and its equally beautiful natural scenery.

As one of Barnstable’s seven villages, Osterville sits on Nantucket Sound. The residential area offers access to a small business district, plus beaches, ponds and some true delights. If you’re looking for a hidden gem on the Cape, you may just find it in one of Osterville’s local parks.

Although tiny is size, Cotacheset Park offers some benches for sitting and a limited amount of green space for relaxing. You’ll find this peaceful spot beneath the shade

Photo: Steve Shattuck

From sailing to tennis, walking trails to ice cream shops, there’s plenty of family-friendly fun to be found in Cataumet. As one of the Town of Bourne’s nine villages, peaceful Cataumet is a true summer destination for those headed to Cape Cod.

Located on Buzzards Bay, Cataumet sits to the south of Pocasset and the north of Falmouth. For fun and recreation in Cataumet, head to the Cape Cod Canal.

This popular outdoor spot sits nearby and offers up seven miles of walking and biking trails. It’s also a good spot for fishing, as the canal links up Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod Bay. Sightseeing boats also cruise up and down the canal.

Another spot to get out and enjoy nature is the Cataumet Greenway. The nearly 95-acres of

As one of the seven villages of Barnstable, Centerville is known mostly for its beaches, its homes and its small business district. It may be small in size, but the village certainly makes up for that in terms of its friendly appeal.

Originally known as Chequaquet, or pleasant harbor, the Village of Centerville is home to one of the largest freshwater lakes on Cape Cod. Lake Wequaquet stretches more than 650-acres, with its seven-mile shoreline dotted by hundreds of single-family homes.

While the residents-only lake is fun for kayaking, boating and canoeing, Centerville also provides a handful of other beaches for outdoor fun. From popular Covell Beach to Long Beach and Craigville Beach, Centerville provides the perfect location for